WO2019166590A1

WO2019166590A1 - Dental cleaning system, main part, and mounting for dental floss

Info

Publication number: WO2019166590A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/055071
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Josef Gibisch; Tomás Alberto Joachim SCHAEFER
Original assignee: Gsts Innovation Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-03-01
Filing date: 2019-02-28
Publication date: 2019-09-06
Also published as: WO2019166593A3; US20210369423A1; EP3758646A2; PL3758646T3; WO2019166593A2; EP3758646B1; JP2021524761A; JP7437308B2; CN111954503A; EP3758646C0; ES2966047T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a dental cleaning system (2) with a mounting (12) for dental floss (18), having two mutually spaced limbs (19) and dental floss (18) held between the two limbs (19) and having a main part (1). The limbs (19) are arranged on the main part (1). The mounting (12) and/or the main part (1) is equipped with a stop (26) for contacting a tooth, whereby the spacing between the dental floss (18) and the stop (26) is defined and thus the depth to which the dental floss (18) is introduced into the area between the teeth is limited in a vertical direction. The length of the limbs (19) and/or the arrangement or height of the stop (26) is/are selected such that the spacing varies according to the depth of the area between the teeth to be cleaned so that the gums are injured as little as possible. The stop (26) can be arranged on the main part (1) or the mounting (12).

Description

Toothbrushes, base and dental floss holder

The present invention relates to a dental cleaning system with a holder for dental floss, which has two spaced limbs and a floss held between the two legs, and with a, a base body, wherein the legs are arranged on the base body.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a base body and a holder, in particular for a corresponding tooth cleaning system.

Filling devices for dental floss are well known in the art. Thus, US 5 222 510 A shows an open ring with two legs, between which dental floss is stretched. Such devices, however, have turned out to be impractical to handle. From US 5,893,379 A a tooth cleaning system is known which is guided with two fingers. This system takes up a lot of space in the oral cavity and is therefore difficult to handle. In addition, the two fingers cause the dental floss to be kept very taut when inserted into the interdental space.

US 5 881 745 A discloses a dental cleaning system with a dental floss holder having two spaced apart legs and a dental floss held between the two legs. A base body is used for sliding onto a finger, which has a recess arranged in the longitudinal direction of the main body for receiving a fingertip. The main body is in the form of a thimble. To control the dental cleaning system in the mouth, a second thimble o- the at least a part of a second thimble provided. However, the control can only be done with one finger, so it is inaccurate and still takes up a lot of space in the oral cavity.

All of these tooth cleaning systems have the disadvantage that the dental floss can break through to the gum when it is introduced into the interdental space. Flierdurch there is a risk of injury to the gums.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for cleaning interdental spaces, the use of which is simplified and, in particular, does not result in injury to the gums.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the drawings.

A tooth cleaning system with a dental floss holder is proposed. The holder of the tooth cleaning system has two spaced apart legs and a floss held between the two legs. The dental floss is designed to be inserted into the interdental space so that it can be cleaned. Furthermore, the tooth cleaning system comprises a base body, wherein the legs are arranged on the base body.

According to the invention, a stop is arranged on the holder and / or on the base body for abutment against a tooth. As a result, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is defined and thus the depth of the introduction of the dental floss into a tooth space in a vertical direction is limited. The length of the legs and / or the arrangement or height of the stop is / are chosen such that the distance depending on the depth of the interdental space to be cleaned is different, so that as far as possible no injury of the gums takes place.

After the tooth length of the persons to be treated can be very different, conventional systems very often cause an injury to the gums when the floss strikes down to the gums. Determining the distance between the floss and the stop determines the depth of how far the tooth can penetrate from the top of the tooth into the interdental space. As soon as the stop hits the top of the tooth, the floss is also stopped. Ideally, this is the case just before the floss reaches the gum. The distance between the dental floss and the stop can either be predefined by the dimensions or can also be adjusted by the construction. For example, tooth cleaning systems can be made available which specify a very specific distance. This distance may vary, depending on the user's choice for a tooth cleaning system of a certain distance. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, it is also possible that this distance is adjustable, so that each user can set this distance as needed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stop is arranged in a region between the two legs. This area can be directly under the dental floss, but also offset laterally. It is essential that the stop on the tooth surface comes to work and thereby stops the penetration of the dental floss in the interdental space.

The legs of the Flalterung preferably extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base body, so that the legs and the base body are preferably arranged at an angle to each other. On both sides of the main body, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, a gripping surface is arranged in each case, which serves to control the movement of the Dental floss is provided in the mouth with the fingers adjacent to the main body. The gripping surfaces preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body in the longitudinal direction on a recess for receiving a fingertip and is preferably U-shaped or annular. The longitudinal direction of the base body preferably extends from a first recess opening to a second recess opening through which the finger can be guided into the recess. Likewise, the recess can have only one recess opening, so that the main body is essentially thimble-shaped.

In this way, the finger can be introduced into the oral cavity essentially parallel to the occlusal surface relief and pressed downwards in order to introduce the dental floss into the interdental space. The gripping surfaces allow the tooth cleaning system to be moved and controlled in the oral cavity, so that the dental floss purposely removes impurities from the interdental space. Preferably, the legs extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the base body.

An additional second gripping surface for controlling the movement of the dental floss in the mouth with the thumb is advantageously provided on the side of the main body opposite the legs. In addition to the lateral guidance through the two first gripping surfaces, this additional gripping surface can exert pressure on the tooth cleaning system with the index finger. Closely adjacent teeth usually complicate the insertion of the dental floss in the interdental space. The controlled guidance of the tooth cleaning system through the gripping surfaces facilitates the introduction of the dental floss, since the pressure and the movement can be targeted. It is a further advantage if at least one of the gripping surfaces forms a surface that is in particular wing-like and protrudes beyond the main body. This provides the largest possible attack surface for the fingers, without the tooth cleaning system being too large overall in order to be able to position it comfortably in the oral cavity.

It is advantageous if at least one of the gripping surfaces has a non-slip, in particular curved, perforated and / or corrugated, surface. The tactile feel of the grip surfaces improves the fl ood handling of the tooth cleaning system, since a good grip is ensured even in the case of a possibly moist surface.

It is advantageous if the flattening and the basic body are designed in one or more parts. The floss should be changed regularly for hygienic reasons. In the case of a multi-part design of the tooth cleaning system, in particular by a retaining of the dental floss that is separate from the main body, it is possible to replace the incline together with dental floss. Alternatively, the flattening and the main body can be formed in one piece, wherein the dental floss is preferably detachably connected to the flattening, so that it can be exchanged independently of the flattening. The dental cleaning system is thus modular in design to realize the change of dental floss as simple as possible. Of course, in this case, the floss can also be firmly connected to the tooth cleaning system, which is then disposed of completely after each tooth cleaning.

It is an advantage if the base body has a slot. The slot is preferably designed to receive at least a portion of the Flalterung. Furthermore, it is conceivable to tension the slot such that the recess is enlarged or reduced in order to be able to adapt the tooth cleaning system to different finger sizes. A fastening system advantageously connects the holder and the base body with each other. Due to the fastening system, the holder and the basic body can be releasably connected to one another.

It is advantageous if the holder and the base body each comprise a part of the fastening system. The two parts are formed so complementary to each other that the tooth silk held by the holder is biased when the holder and the base body are connected to each other.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fastening system has a positive and / or non-positive connection. Preferably, the fastening system has a fastening rail and a fastening rail, wherein the fastening rail is formed on the mounting and the fastening slide on the base body. Likewise, the fastening carriage can be arranged on the holder and the fastening rail on the base body. Furthermore, the fastening system can comprise a magnetic, screw, plug-in, rotary, adhesive, Velcro and / or snap connection, so that the holder and the basic body can be releasably connected to one another.

One advantage is when a releasable locking secures the connection between the holder and the base body. The lock can be arranged on the one hand on the holder and on the other hand on the base body. When the lock is secured, it is ensured, in particular during use in the oral cavity, that the holder can not be separated from the basic body. This ensures that neither the holder nor the body can be swallowed.

The fastening rail and the fastening slide advantageously taper conically in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the main body. Due to the conical design of the fastening rail and the fastening These sledges can be connected together. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the tension of the dental floss by the selected insertion pressure. The farther the mounting carriage is inserted into the mounting rail and the smaller it essentially is the remaining cone section, the more the dental floss is tensioned between the legs. The angled guide allows increased preload.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fastening rail and / or the fastening carriage have lateral, in particular U-shaped and / or dovetail-shaped, guide surfaces.

It is advantageous if the guide surfaces of the fastening rail and of the fastening carriage are not parallel to one another in the uninstalled state, so that in the assembled state the metal-threading part connected to the basic body is spread in such a way that the dental floss is tensioned between the legs.

It is an advantage, when a securing element, in particular a thread, the Flalterung and / or the body ensures against swallowing.

A stop is arranged on the support and / or on the base body, in an area between the two legs, the dental floss and the base body, so that the depth of introduction of the dental floss into a tooth space is limited in a vertical direction. The stop is chosen such that the floss preferably can not or only slightly come into contact with the gums, so that bleeding gums and injuries are prevented. Depending on which group of people the tooth cleaning system is intended for, the height of the stop can vary.

It is advantageous if the stop is formed by the surface of the main body or the lip opposite the dental floss and the depth the insertion is determined by the length of the legs and / or the height of the stop. The length of the legs is preferably defined by the area extending from the attachment area of the dental floss to the stop. If the stop is formed by the surface of the base body opposite the dental floss, the holder and the base body are preferably formed in one piece. Alternatively, an inner side of the holder located between the legs can fix the stop. The height of the stop can be determined either by the corresponding, different arrangement of the stop on the holder or the base body. But it is also possible that the height of each different stops is designed differently, so that also the distance between the stop, so the surface that strikes the top of the tooth, and the floss can be varied. For example, this makes it possible to provide a set which specifies different distances precisely for the different users.

An adjustment of the length of the legs and / or the height of the stop can be carried out in particular by a translational or rotary mobility of the legs and / or the stop. As a result, for example, by a telescopic displacement of the legs or the stop the distance between the floss and stop changed so adjusted to the individual needs of the user. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to rotate the legs or the stop and thereby to change the distance between the floss and the stop, for example, by means of an oblique surface or a thread turn. This has the advantage that it is not necessary to provide different components for different leg lengths or heights of the stop, since the individual components are designed to be adjustable.

Preferably, the stopper is part of the fastening system. In particular, a centering pin of the fastening system form the stop. Here- by a double function is formed for the centering pin. On the one hand, it serves the fastening system for a fast and reliable connection between the base body and the bracket. On the other hand, it forms the stop itself and can be defined by a different embodiment of the length of the centering pin different distances between the stop or centering pin and the dental floss.

If, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the abutment is arranged on a part of the fastening system, in particular a centering pin, the fastening system not only serves to connect the base body and the bracket, but is also provided for fastening the abutment. The stop may in this case have, for example, an opening which corresponds to the centering pin and whereby the stop can be plugged onto the centering pin.

Preferably, a detent is provided to lock the adjustable length of the legs and / or the adjustable height of the stop. This ensures that the set position of the legs or of the stop does not change automatically during the application of the dental floss. In particular, in the case of a translatory or rotational displacement of the legs or of the stop, such a lock is advantageous.

The holder and / or the base body advantageously have a fastening element for fixing dental floss. The fastening element can, for example, have a conical shape and be provided with a clamping slot, so that the ends of the dental floss can be wound around the fastening element several times and fixed in the clamping slot. It is also conceivable that the clamping slot is formed in the legs themselves, so that the dental floss is clamped directly into the legs. To identify a particular size of the holder and / or the base body and / or a particular dental floss, it is advantageous if the holder and / or the base body and / or the stop a Codie- tion, in particular a color coding, have. For example, infant cleaning systems may have motifs that may make the teeth cleaning system more attractive to children. It is also conceivable, depending on which finger size the tooth cleaning system is equipped to choose different colors of the body and / or the holder.

Preferably, the holder and / or the base body and / or the stop are made of a renewable and, in particular, consumable raw material. Thus, on the one hand, an excessive consumption of plastic is reduced and, moreover, in the case of accidental ingestion the risk of injury to the user is avoided. In addition, it is possible that targeted for example for use in children an incentive to use the dental cleaning system is created by the fact that the user after cleaning the interdental space, the teeth cleaning system or at least eat parts of it.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the tooth cleaning system, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is less than 12 mm, very preferably less than 8 mm. In this range, the individual depths of the interdental spaces can be optimally addressed. This is especially the case when the floss between the thighs is already stretched before it is inserted into the interdental space. At the latest, when the contact point of two adjacent teeth is overcome, the dental floss is stretched, but after this contact point has been overcome, it again largely assumes the tension of its original state. Thus, if it was previously slack between the legs, the distance of the floss from the fence must be relatively large to overcome the contact point before the stop is reached. After that, however, this distance is too big again, so as not to damage the gums. If the dental floss is already tensioned in the initial state, this distance can be predicted very accurately. Only the internal expansion of the dental floss and optionally a bending of the legs is still to be considered in this case in order to be able to determine the correct distance of the dental floss from the stop for a certain depth of the interdental space. Ideally, the contact point is overcome without the stop being reached and, thereafter, the distance between the floss and the stop is such that the gum is not injured.

Typically, the depth of a man's interdental space is less than 10 mm and a child's even less than 5 mm. A corresponding height of the stop or length of the legs thus ensures a particularly gentle cleaning of the interdental space without injury to the gums.

Advantageously, the ratio of the distance of the dental floss from the stop to an effective length of the dental floss is less than or equal to 0.5. This means that, for example, with an effective length of the toothed side of 20 mm, the distance of the dental floss from the stop is at most 10 mm. With this ratio, a good tension can be introduced into the dental floss in relation to its deflection and relaxation after overcoming the contact point and the floss fails to overcome the gum point after overcoming the contact point.

Also proposed is a base body for a tooth cleaning system. The tooth cleaning system is preferably designed according to the preceding or following description. An abutment is arranged on the main body in a region in which two legs can be arranged for holding the dental floss, so that the depth of the insertion of the dental floss into a tooth space in a vertical direction is bounded. In a one-piece system can be done a stable attachment of the stop to the body. In the case of a two-part system, it is particularly advantageous if the stop is arranged on the main body. For example, by a combination with a holder for the dental floss, which has different leg lengths, a different depth of the working area of the dental floss can be achieved. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide the same holders for the floss different basic body available, each having a different stop or a different stop height.

The main body is preferably designed to be pushed onto a finger, in particular U-shaped or annular, and has a recess arranged in the longitudinal direction of the main body for receiving a fingertip. The recess preferably extends from a first to a second recess opening. Likewise, it is conceivable that the recess has only one recess opening, so that the base body is formed substantially thimble-shaped. The longitudinal direction extends essentially through the center of the recess or parallel to its axis of symmetry.

Preferably, a gripping surface is arranged at least on one, better on both sides of the base body, which is provided for controlling the movement of dental floss in the mouth with the fingers adjacent to the main body. The gripping surface preferably extends in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to control the main body and thus the entire tooth cleaning system substantially three-dimensionally. The motion control is tactile. Preferably, the two gripping surfaces are operated by the thumb and middle finger, so that the index finger is stabilized and the pressure, thrust and torsional movements are increased. When the main body or the tooth cleaning system are introduced into the oral cavity, the gripping surfaces are preferably on the main body in Mundrich- aligned. The gripping surfaces thus project beyond the main body, preferably in the longitudinal direction.

In this case, it is an advantage if between the two lateral first gripping surfaces a second gripping surface is provided for controlling the movement of the dental floss in the mouth with the thumb. The index finger preferably engages on the second gripping surface in order to exert pressure on the main body so that the dental floss of the tooth cleaning system can be introduced and guided into the interdental space.

It is also advantageous if at least the two lateral gripping surfaces form a particular wing-like and / or the main body outstanding fa ce. This allows the fingers to grasp the basic body ergonomically.

A first part of a positive and / or non-positive fastening system for receiving a holder for dental floss for connecting the main body to a holder for dental floss is advantageously formed on the main body. The part of the fastening system is preferably a fastening rail or a fastening slide, a part of a magnetic, screw, plug, rotary, adhesive, adhesive connection and / or a part of a snap connection.

Preferably, the stop is arranged on the first part of the fastening system. As a result, the fastening system for the holder can simultaneously serve for fastening the stop. A simple design and manufacture is possible through this.

It is advantageous if the recess is conical and / or flattened, so that the cleaning system can be held on the finger in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the first recess opening is larger than the second recess opening, so that an inner surface of the recess tapered conically. In order to hold the base body rotatably on the finger, the inner surface of the recess may be formed of a plurality of angularly arranged to each other surface segments.

It is advantageous if the main body has a slot, in particular for receiving the Flalterung and / or adaptation to different finger sizes. The slot preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body. It is conceivable that the main body has a plurality of slots and is thus flexible in order to be able to be adapted to different finger sizes.

The base body is advantageously U-shaped or it is designed as a closed or open at its periphery ring and / or thimble.

Further proposed is a holder for dental floss for a tooth cleaning system. The tooth cleaning system is preferably designed according to the preceding or following description. The holder has two spaced apart legs and one held between the legs held at the floss. A stop is arranged on at least one of the two legs, so that the insertion of the tooth side into a tooth gap is limited in a vertical direction. The stop reliably prevents injury to the gums, since the depth of penetration of the dental floss into the interdental space preferably ends immediately before reaching the gum.

If the stop is advantageously arranged on an inner side of the holder formed between the two legs and the floss, then it is possible for the holder to occupy only a small space and thus to be easily moved in the mouth of the user.

The holder has a second part of a positive and / or non-positive fastening system for connecting the holder to a base body of the dental cleaning system. The second part is preferably a fastening slide or a fastening rail and / or a part of a magnetic, screw, plug-in, rotary, adhesive, Velcro or snap connection. The bracket allows flossing to be removed from the teeth cleaning system without having to replace the entire tooth cleaning system.

Advantageously, the fastening system is arranged longitudinally or transversely to the alignment of the dental floss.

According to the invention, the dental floss between the two legs, when the holder is attached to the body, stretched.

It is advantageous if a stop is arranged in a region formed between the two legs, the dental floss and an underside of the fastening carriage, so that the introduction of the dental floss into a tooth space is limited in a vertical direction.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a basic body according to a first exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a holder according to an exemplary embodiment,

Figure 3 is a plan view of a tooth cleaning system with a

Main body and a holder according to an alternative embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the tooth cleaning system according to a further exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 5a is a front view of the butterfly,

Figure 5b is a front view of the body

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the tooth cleaning system according to a further embodiment,

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the tooth cleaning system according to an additional exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the basic body according to a further exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the tooth cleaning system according to an alternative embodiment,

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the basic body according to a first exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 1,

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a tooth cleaning system according to a further exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 12 shows a section through a side view of the tooth cleaning system similar to FIG. 11,

13 shows a section through a side view of the tooth cleaning system similar to FIG. 11, FIG. Figure 14 is a plan view of a tooth cleaning system with a handle according to another embodiment and

Figure 15 is a side view of the tooth cleaning system according to an alternative two-part embodiment.

1 shows a base body 1 for a tooth cleaning system 2 according to the following FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9. The base body 1 has a recess 4 extending in a longitudinal direction 3 for receiving a fingertip (not shown). In FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction 3 extends into the page plane. The main body 1 is annular. Likewise, the base body 1 may be U-shaped (see Fig. 8).

The recess 4 has a conically shaped inner surface 5, for which reason a first recess opening 6 is larger than a second recess opening 7 offset along the longitudinal direction 3. Thus, the recess 4 is substantially complementary to the finger. It would be conceivable that the recess 4 has only the first recess opening 6 and is formed thimble-shaped. Likewise, the two recess openings 6, 7 can be of equal size, so that the recess is cylindrically shaped.

For different finger shapes, different sized recesses 4 are provided. The inner surface 5 is further polygonal, so that the base body 1 and thus the tooth cleaning system 2 according to the figures 3 and 4 rotatably on the finger, in particular the index finger is held.

The base body 1 has a plurality, preferably four, sides. On two opposite sides, a first gripping surface 9 is arranged in each case. The two first gripping surfaces 9 are for controlling the movement of the main body or of the tooth cleaning system (cf., FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9) in FIG Oral space provided. Preferably, the thumb and the Mittelfin ger attack on the two first gripping surfaces 9 to hold the main body 1. The two first gripping surfaces 9 form a wing-like surface which projects beyond the main body 1. The first gripping surface 9 extends along the longitudinal direction 3 of the basic body 1.

Between the two first gripping surfaces 9, a second gripping surface 10 is provided. The second gripping surface 10 serves as a further control surface for the thumb. For improved handling during operation, one or more gripping surfaces can have a grippy surface. The gripping surfaces 9, 10 may be arched, perforated and / or corrugated.

On its side opposite the second gripping surface 10, the main body 1 has at least one slot 11. The slot 11 is designed to connect the main body 1 to a holder 12 of the dental cleaning system 2. The slot 11 and the holder 12 are formed in such a complementary way that the holder 12 can be at least partially received by the slot.

The base body 1 has a first part 13 of a fastening system 14 (cf., FIGS. 3 and 4), by means of which the holder 12 can be positioned on the base body 1. The first part 13 of the fastening system 14 is shown in FIG. 1, a mounting carriage 15. The mounting carriage 15 has a first guide surface 16, which is U-shaped. The mounting carriage 15 tapers in the longitudinal direction 3, as shown in Figure 1 with a dashed line 17. The mounting carriage 15 is thus substantially conical, so that the widening region ensures that the mounting carriage 15 is braced with a designated area of the holder 12 (see FIGS.

2 shows the holder 12 for the tooth cleaning system 2 (cf., FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9), which in particular for connection to the main body 1 (see Fig. 1, 8) and for tensioning a dental floss 18 is formed. The holder 12 has two spaced-apart legs 19, between which the dental floss 18 is held. The dental floss 18 is connected to the legs 19 by means of at least one fastening element 22. For example, the dental floss 18 can be wound around the fastening element 22 and / or clamped in it. Likewise, the dental floss 18, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, can be fixedly connected to the legs 19 or embedded in them.

The flattening 12 has a second part 20 of the fastening system 14, so that the flattening 12 can be non-positively and / or positively connected to the base body 1 (cf. FIGS. 1, 8). The second part 20 of the fastening system 14 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a fastening rail 21 for receiving the fastening carriage 15 of the main body 1. The fastening rail 21 has a second guide surface 23. The second guide surface 23 is U-shaped, so that the mounting carriage 15 of the main body 1 can be received therein. On the fastening rail 21, a spring 24 is formed, which engages in the slot 11 of the base body 1, so that essentially a tongue and groove connection can be formed.

Between the two legs 19 and the floss 18, a stop 26 is disposed on an inner side 25 of the Flalterung 12, so that the Einbrin conditions of the dental floss 18 is limited in the interdental space. Flats 12 with different or no stops 26 can be provided in order to ensure a gentle treatment without injury to the individual gums.

The surface of the mounting carriage 15 (Figure 1) has a curvature with a small radius r. The corresponding surface of the mounting rail 21 (Figure 2), however, has a larger radius R. Are the Flalterung 12 and the main body 1 connected to each other, so there is a bending of the holder 12, whereby the two legs 19 are bent apart. This creates a tension of the dental silk 18, which significantly facilitates the insertion of the dental floss 18 into the interdental space and its cleaning. Such a movement of the legs 19 can also be effected by a corresponding dimensioning of the slots 11 and the springs 24. In order to facilitate the connection of mounting carriage 15 and mounting rail 21, it can be provided that initially a large play is provided, which eventually decreases and thus only leads to a clamping in a further insertion of the spring 24 in the slot 11 ,

FIG. 3 shows the tooth cleaning system 2 with the main body 1 and the holder 12, in each case according to an alternative embodiment. In contrast to the base body 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the holder 12 shown in FIG. 2, the two guide surfaces 16, 23 are formed here in the shape of a dovetail.

The guide surface 16, 23 of the base body 1 and the holder 12 are not parallel to each other in the unassembled state, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the holder 12 or its mounting rail 21 is pushed onto the mounting carriage 15 or the base body, the holder 12 spreads such that the dental floss 18 is tensioned between the legs 19. Accordingly, if the retainer 12 and the base body 1 are not connected to the tooth cleaning system 2, the dental floss 18 is attached substantially loosely between the legs 19. Only by the two parts 13, 20 of the fastening system, in particular the connection of the mounting carriage 15 with the mounting rail 21, the dental floss 18 is tensioned. The tension of the dental floss is determined in such a way that an ideal cleaning of the interdental spaces can take place. According to FIG. 3, the dental floss 18 is firmly connected to the legs 19, wherein in each case one end of the dental floss 18 is cast into a leg 19. Alternatively, the dental floss 18, as shown in FIG 2, be secured by the fastener to the Flalterung 12 so that it can be changed at any time if needed. In order to change the dental floss 18 according to FIG. 3 on the tooth cleaning system 2, the flap 12 is removed from the tooth cleaning system 2 and a new, not represented, bottle is connected again to the base body 1.

The fastening system 14 of the tooth cleaning system 2 is additionally secured by a lock 27, which is only indicated schematically in FIG. The lock 27 may be formed, for example, with a magnet, a snap connection or a push button.

Furthermore, a securing element 28 is attached to the tooth cleaning system 2, which secures the butterfly 12 and / or the base 1 against encapsulation. The securing element 28 is formed as a thread, which can be attached to the land and attached to the Flalterung 12 and / or the base body 1.

FIG. 4 shows the tooth cleaning system 2 in a perspective view. The base body 1 and the flattening 12 are connected to one another by the fastening system 14, in particular the fastening slide 15 is pushed into the fastening rail 21. Since the guide surfaces 16, 23 (cf., FIGS. 1 and 2) are skewed toward one another, the flattening 12 spreads on the base body 1 in such a way that the dental floss 18 is tensioned.

The inner surface 5 of the main body is conical and polygonal, so that the entire tooth cleaning system 2 is held against rotation on the finger when it is used in particular in the oral cavity. Preferably, different sizes of finger Shen and geometries of the tooth cleaning system 2 provided. Thus, smaller teeth cleaning systems 2 are suitable for small fingers, in particular the recess 4 of the main body 1 being reduced in size.

The figure 5a shows the Flalterung 12 and the second guide surface 23 and the figure 5b, the base body 1 with the first guide surface 16. The geometry of the second guide surfaces 23 may differ from the geometry of the first guide surfaces 16. In this case, the two guide surfaces 16, 23 are not parallel to each other, in particular when the Flalterung 12 is arranged relative to the base body 1, that the two guide surfaces 16, 23 facing each other. As a result, a spreading or clamping of the holder 12 on the base body 1 can be achieved.

The first guide surface 16, as also described in accordance with FIG. 1, has a conical design, with the attachment carriage 15 describing a first cone angle 29. The second guide surface 23 may also be conical, but preferably with a smaller second taper angle 30. When the mounting carriage 15 is pushed into the mounting rail 21, the larger first guide surface 16 spreads the smaller one by its larger first cone angle 29 second cone angle 30 or the second guide surface, so that the dental floss 18 (see FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 9) is tensioned.

One of the cone angles 29, 30 may be equal to zero, so that the guide surface is substantially straight.

FIG. 6 shows the tooth cleaning system 2 in a side view, which is equipped with an adjusting mechanism 31. The adjusting mechanism 31 is designed according to FIG. 6 as a size-adjustable pipe clamp 32 in order to vary the diameter of the recess 4. By fixing the pipe clamp 32, the recess 4 of the base body shrinks. pers 1, so that the tooth cleaning system 2 is suitable for smaller fingers. To facilitate the reduction of the base body 1, it is provided with a slot 34. By a stronger tension of the pipe clamp 32, the base body 1 can be reduced in diameter.

In addition to the adjusting mechanism 31, FIG. 6 shows that the limbs 19 of the flange 12 are arranged at an angle to their fastening rail 21 or to the longitudinal axis 3 of the base body 1.

In Figure 6, another lock 27 is shown for the Flalterung 12 on the body sketched. This is a small tab which engages in a recess of the base body 1. An accidental release of the connection between the base body 1 and holder 12 is thus avoided. To release the connection can be provided that the tab breaks at a predetermined breaking point to indicate that the floss is already needed and should not be used again.

In Figure 7 it is shown that the base body 1 and the holder 12 are eintei lig connected to the dental cleaning system 2 together. The tooth cleaning system 2 thus does not have a fastening system 14 according to the preceding figures. In order not to have to replace the entire tooth cleaning system 2 when changing the dental floss 18, the tooth cleaning system 2 can have a fastening element 22 according to FIG. The fastening element 22 allows only the dental floss 18 to be changed.

Furthermore, in the recess 4, an alternative embodiment of the Justierme- mechanism is formed, which is a ring insert 33 according to FIG.

The ring insert 33 is formed separately and can be inserted into the recess in order to reduce it. The tooth cleaning system 2 is on This way, it can be easily adapted to different finger shapes and sizes.

FIG. 8 shows the basic body 1 according to an alternative embodiment, the basic body 1 being U-shaped. The main body 1 has a third recess opening 8, which is arranged in the region of the fastening slide 15. It is also conceivable that the recess opening 8 is arranged on the other sides of the main body 1.

In Figure 9 it is shown that the fastening system 14 may also be aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction 3 of the body. In order to connect the fastening slide 15 and the fastening rail 21 with one another, the holder 12 is pushed onto the base body 1 transversely to the longitudinal direction 3. By a predetermined, different bending of fastening carriage 15 and fastening rail 21 in the insertion direction, a biasing of the dental floss 12 is produced, since the legs 19 move away from one another at their end, on which the dental floss is fastened (see FIG. 2). The radius of the mounting carriage 15 is in the relaxed state, before the mounting carriage 15 is inserted into the mounting rail 21, greater than the radius of the mounting rail 21. In contrast to the previous figures, the base body 1, the mounting rail 21st and the holder 12 on the mounting carriage 15. It is also indicated in this FIG. 9 that the surface of the gripping surface is structured, here corrugated, in order to improve the guidance of the tooth cleaning system 2.

FIG. 10 shows a basic body 1 similar to FIG. 1. The only difference is that a second fastening carriage 15 'is arranged in addition to the fastening carriage 15. The second mounting carriage 15 'is here dimensioned smaller and is therefore suitable for receiving a smaller holder according to Figure 2. Of course, a second Aufme- me similar to the embodiment of Figure 9 transverse to the longitudinal direction 3 of Be arranged body 1 or a combination of both Ar th the recording.

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a tooth cleaning system according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this plan view, the base body 1 with the two first gripping surfaces 9 is shown. On the main body 1 of the mounting carriage 15 and the first guide surface 16 of the fastening system 14 is arranged. While in the previous embodiments, the Flalterung 12 was connected by means of a linear movement with the base body 1, in this embodiment, a rotational movement is required to attach the Flalterung 12 to the base body 1. The flattening 12 in turn has two legs 19, on which the dental floss 18 is attached. To insert the Flalterung 12 in the base body 1, the Flalterung 12 is rotated in the double arrow direction D by about 90 ° relative to the illustration shown here to the right and attached to a centering pin 35 of the base body 1. Subsequently, the flap 12 is rotated about the centering pin 35 and on the mounting carriage 15 again in the double arrowed direction D by about 90 ° to the left and clamps for example in a dovetail groove of the first guide surfaces 16. The second guide surface 23 of the Flalterung 12 corresponds to the first guide surface 16 of the main body. 1

As a result of this fastening of the support 12 on the base body 1, the support 12 is bent either so that the limbs 19 are slightly spread apart at their upper ends, as a result of which the dental floss 18 is stretched over its effective length B. Alternatively, only the area to which the legs 19 are attached to the Flalterung 12, 12 are resiliently deformed relative to the Flalterung and also spread the legs 19 by corresponding guide surfaces. The effective for the cleaning of the interdental space length B of the dental floss 18 is also in this case in the space between the two legs 19 and thus stretched. FIG. 12 shows a section through a side view of the tooth cleaning system similar to FIG. 11. Here again the centering pin 35 can be seen, which is part of the base body 1. Of course, the centering pin 35 could also be part of the flattening 12 and introduced into an opening in the main body 1. The first guide surface 16 and the second guide surface 23 cooperate, so that the Flalterung 12 is set on the base body 1. At the Flalterung 12 one of the two legs 19 and a section through the dental floss 18 can be seen in this sectional view.

The centering pin 35 protrudes with a flea Fl over the top of the second guide surface 23 of the Flalterung 12, whereby the distance A between the centering pin 35 and the dental floss 18 is determined. This distance A is less than the distance between the floss 18 and the top of the Flalterung 12 would be to which the tooth would strike without stop 26. The distance A thus forms a measure of how far the dental floss can penetrate into the interdental space. When inserting the dental floss 18 into a tooth space, the abutment abuts the upper side of the tooth and thus limits the depth of penetration of the dental floss 18. Depending on the individual jaw of the user, this can be achieved by means of various basic bodies 1 with centering pins 35 of different lengths A customized. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide different openings 12, in which the legs 19 have a different length L. The length L of the legs 19 is defined here as the distance between the floss 18 and the attachment of the leg 19 on the Flalterung 12 or according to other Ausführungsbei- games on the main body 1. Also, this is the distance A relative to a stop 26 of the centering pin 35th or the top of the Flalterung 12 in the region of the two legs 19 individually adjusted to the needs of the user. In the embodiment of Figure 13, which shows a section through a side view of the tooth cleaning system similar to Figure 11, the stop 26 is formed by a stop piece 36. The stop piece 36 is attached to the centering pin 35 and determines the distance A of the stop 26 of the dental floss 18th

In this exemplary embodiment, the fleas Fl of the stop piece 36 can be adjusted relative to the dental floss 18. This can be done either by different notches, wherein the stopper 36 is more or less deeply placed on the centering pin 35. Alternatively, it is also possible, as shown here, that a thread 37 or a corresponding bevel is present. In this case, the abutment piece 36 is turned onto the centering pin 35 and thereby changes the fleas Fl with respect to the upper side of the flattening 12 or the distance A to the dental floss 18. Here too, in a further alternative, there is the possibility that the legs 19 of the Flalterung 12 are variable in length and, for example by means of telescopic displacement more or less long and thereby influence the distance A.

FIG. 14 shows a plan view of a tooth cleaning system with a handle 40 according to a further exemplary embodiment. This is a conventional tooth cleaning system with a handle 40 and two fork-shaped legs 19, between which the dental floss 18 is stretched. The stop 26 with a stopper 36 for a tooth is attached to a sliding part 38. The displacement part 38 is displaceable in accordance with the direction of the double arrow V. Flierdurch the distance A between the floss 18 and stop 26 and the fleas Fl between the top of the stopper piece 36 and the lowest point of the handle 40 between the legs 19, at which a tooth would strike fixed. To maintain the selected distance A, the handle 40 has detents 39, which correspond to the displacement part 38. The displacement of the sliding part 38 thus requires a certain amount of force, which prevents the distance A from being changed accidentally. Alternatively, the effective length L of the legs 19 can also be changed, for example by a not-shown telescopic design of the legs 19.

In order to use fewer plastics and thus less stress on the environment, provision can be made for the holder 12 and / or the base body 1 and / or the stop 26 to be produced from a renewable and, in particular, consumable raw material. This avoids the risk of injury to the user even if accidentally swallowed. Moreover, if it is also envisaged that, for example, flavor-tasting material will be used for the application in children, this may provide an incentive for the use of the tooth cleaning system. The user may, after cleaning the interdental space, eat the tooth cleaning system or at least parts thereof. It is likewise advantageous if the material of the tooth cleaning system is bio-compostable. This contributes to a significant reduction of plastic waste.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the tooth cleaning system 2 according to an alternative two-part embodiment. The tooth cleaning system 2 has the main body 1 and the holder 12. The holder 12 can be connected to the main body 1, in which it is placed in the insertion direction E on the base body 1 and then rotated in the direction of rotation D. In this way, a two-part fastening system locks in which two first guide surfaces 16 and two second guide surfaces 23 on each side of the holder 12 are connected to one another. While the first, lower guide surface 16 with the second, lower guide surface 23 effect a firm cohesion between the holder 12 and the base body 1, the upper guide surfaces 16 and 23 cause the legs 19 to spread and thus to tension the dental floss 18. In this embodiment, it is further apparent that two stops 26 are arranged on the holder 12. As a result, a distance A is created for the tooth cleaning system 2, so that the dental floss 18 can not cut into the gum, since it is stopped as soon as the abutment 26 impinge on the tooth surface. The distance A can be determined by the height H of the stops 26 or by the effective length L of the legs 19th

The holder 12, which is shown in section in this embodiment, shows that the legs 19 are made reinforced. Accordingly, they have two substantially parallel sections, which on the one hand facilitate the production and on the other hand create an additional stability for the attachment and tension of the dental floss 18.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the patent claims, for example by the arrangement of the stop on the legs or on the base body are just as possible as a combination of the features, even if they are shown and described in different embodiments. It is thus also possible, in particular, to determine the angle between the handle or the base body and the thighs to which the dental floss is fastened as required. It is only important that the stop is arranged in such a way that it causes injury Can prevent gums. Incidentally, it is of course also possible that the stop according to the invention is used both on manually used tooth-cleaning systems, and also on toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, electric tooth cleaning systems or interdental brushes. LIST OF REFERENCES

I basic body

2 teeth cleaning system

3 longitudinal direction

4 recess

5 inner surface

6 First opening

7 Second opening

8 Third opening

9 first gripping surface

10 second gripping area

I I slot

12 bracket

13 first part

14 fastening system

15 mounting carriages

16 first guide surface

17 line

18 dental floss

19 thighs

20 second part

21 fixing rail

22 fastener

23 second guide surface

24 spring

25 inside

26 stop

27 locking

28 fuse element

29 First cone angle 30 Second cone angle

31 adjustment mechanism

32 pipe clamp

33 ring insert

34 centering opening

35 centering pin

36 stop piece

37 thread

38 shift part

39 detents

40 handle

A distance

Double arrow direction of rotation E insertion direction

V Double arrow shift direction r small radius

R large radius

B effective length of the floss H height

L length of the thigh

Claims

Patent claims

First tooth cleaning system (2) with a holder (12) for dental floss (18), the two spaced apart legs (19) and between the two legs (19) held floss (18) and having a base body (1), wherein the legs (19) are arranged on the base body (1),

characterized.

in that a stop (26) for abutting a tooth is arranged on the holder (12) and / or on the base body (1), whereby a distance (A) of the dental floss (18) from the stop (26) is defined and therewith the depth of insertion of the dental floss (18) into a tooth space is limited in a vertical direction and that the length (L) of the legs (19) and / or the location or height (H) of the stop (26) is / are selected such that the distance (A) is different depending on the depth of the interdental space to be cleaned, so that as far as possible no injury to the dental tissue takes place.

2. tooth cleaning system (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop (26) in a region between the two legs (19) is arranged.

3. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (1) for sliding on a finger in the longitudinal direction (3) of the Grundkör- pers (1) arranged recess (4) for receiving a fingertip or has a handle.

4. tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (12) and the base body (1) are formed one or more parts.

5. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening system (14) the holder (12) and the base body (1) together.

6. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (12) and the base body (1) each comprise a part (13, 20) of the fastening system (14), wherein the two parts (13 , 20) are formed so complementary to one another that the dental floss (18) held by the holder (12) is prestressed when the holder (12) and the base body (1) are connected to one another.

7. tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (26) by the dental floss (18) opposite surface of the base body (1) or the holder (12) is formed and the depth of insertion is determined by the length (L) of the legs (19) and / or the height (H) of the stop (26).

8. tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length (L) of the legs (19) and / or the height (H) of the stopper (26), in particular by a translational or rotational mobility of the Leg (19) and / or the stop (26) is adjustable.

9. tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (26) part of Fixing system (14), in particular a centering pin (35) of the fastening system (14), is.

10. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (26) is arranged on a part of the fastening system (14), in particular a centering pin (35).

11. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking is hen hen to the adjustable length (L) of the legs (19) and / or the adjustable height (H) of the stop (26 ) to lock.

12. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (12) and / or the base body (1) and / or the stop (26) tion a coding, in particular a color coding, for Identification of a specific size of the holder (12) and / or of the basic body (1) and / or for identification of a specific dental floss (18).

13. tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (12) and / or the base body (1) and / or the stop (26) is made of a renewable and in particular consumable raw material / are ,

14. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (A) of the dental floss (18) from the stop (26) is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 8 mm.

15. Tooth cleaning system (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of distance (A) of the dental floss (18) from the stop (26) to an effective length (B) of the dental floss ( 18) is less than or equal to 0.5.

16 basic body (1) for a tooth cleaning system (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

on the base body (1), in a region on which two legs (19) for holding the dental floss (18) can be arranged, a stop (26) is arranged, so that the depth of the introduction of the dental floss (18) in one Interdental space is limited in a vertical direction.

17. basic body (1) according to the previous claim, thereby qekenn- draws. in that the base body (1) has a recess (4) arranged in the longitudinal direction (3) of the base body (1) for insertion onto a finger for receiving a finger tip or a handle.

18 basic body (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims che, characterized in that on the base body (1) has a first part (13) of a positive and / or non-positive fastening system

(14) for receiving a holder (12) for dental floss (18), in particular a fastening rail (21) or a mounting carriage

(15), a part of a magnetic, screw, plug, rotary, adhesive, Velcro connection and / or a part of a snap connection, for connecting the base body (1) with a holder (12) for dental floss (18) is formed.

19. Basic body (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (26) on the first part (13) of the fastening system (14) is arranged.

20. holder (12) for dental floss (18) for a tooth cleaning system (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with

two spaced apart legs (19) and between the two legs (19) held dental floss (18),

characterized in that

a stop (26) is arranged on at least one of the two legs (19), so that the introduction of the dental floss (18) into a tooth space is limited in a vertical direction.

21. Holder (12) according to the preceding claim, thereby qekennzeich- net. that the stop (26) at one between the two legs

(19) and the floss (18) formed inside the holder (12) is arranged.

22. Holder (12) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (12) has a second part

(20) of a positive and / or non-positive fastening system (14), in particular a mounting slide (15) or a mounting rail (21) for receiving in a base body (1) of the dental cleaning system (2) and / or a part of a Magnet, screw, plug, rotary, adhesive, adhesive connection and / or a part of a snap connection, for connecting the holder (12) with a base body (1) of the tooth cleaning system and that the holder (12) is designed such that it spreads so that the dental floss (18) between the legs (19) is tensioned when the holder (12) is attached to the base body (1).